Woman of Substance

by Bower, Annette

  “Why’d you want to spend time with an old man when there are plenty of young men around?” He looked directly at Jake.

  “I took a sociology course a few years back and the professor said we should know our elders, and it’ll help us understand who we are. My grandparents passed on before I asked them about their lives, so I thought I’d ask you.” She reached for his hand.

  “Sure, girlie, you come around when you want to, and if I’m not visiting with the queen, I’d be glad to have a chat with you.” Then he looked over at Jake. “Guess I still have some usefulness left.”

  “Of course you do, Granddad.” Jake leaned forward. “I came back so we can spend time with each other, too.”

  “Robin, you know Jake here is a doctor. Doctor Proctor. Sure has a funny ring to it. Good thing you’re not a proctologist.” Frank gave another raucous laugh.

  Jake grimaced. “You always enjoy a good word association, Granddad.”

  “What kind of doctor are you?” Robbie asked, knowing full well, but having to keep up the guise.

  Frank wiped his eyes and turned to her. “My boy here studies people.”

  “A psychologist?” Robbie watched Jake.

  “No, an anthropologist,” Frank said. “He goes away and writes about groups of people and their roots. Guess it will do me good to remember the past and maybe good for both of you to hear.” Frank sank back into his pillows with a sigh.

  “As much as these two girls”—she patted her thighs— “enjoyed our little rest, we’ve got to get going. We’ve got things to do and people to see.” She levered her elbows into the hard plastic-covered mattress and managed to twist with a minimum of decorum, dangling her legs over the side of the bed.

  Jake was at the bedside in a flash. “You’re wearing your new shoes.” He picked up her shoes and placed them on each foot. “I used to do this for Grandma when I was around. Remember, Granddad?”

  “Said it made her feel like a princess, but she was really our queen.”

  Robbie saw Frank’s throat muscles tighten as he swallowed hard.

  She clasped Frank’s hand and kissed his cheek before sliding off the bed.

  “See you guys,” she said as she folded her coat over her arm and then stepped into the cool corridor.

  Jake took Robin’s place on the bed and draped his arm around Frank’s shoulders. “Granddad, do I have to sign any papers allowing Robin to visit whenever she can?”

  “Ask at the information desk. It’d be nice if she came around. There’s something different about her.”

  “You really miss Grandma.”

  Frank sighed. “We were together a long time.”

  “Are you strong enough to talk for a few minute?” Jake asked.

  Frank snuggled against Jake’s arm. “Depends. No, I don’t need any.”

  “Always the jokester.” Jake tapped Frank’s shoulder.

  “Ouch.”

  Jake jumped away.

  “Just kidding.” A grin spread across Frank’s lips.

  “What do you know about your leukemia?” Sometimes asking straightforward questions was the best way.

  “So you’ve spoken with Dr. Alley,” Frank said softly. “I’m glad.”

  “Thanks for having him call and giving permission for me to meet with him.”

  “Thought it was easier if the news came from the doctor.” Frank closed his eyes and spoke. “My leukemia is acute. Didn’t know I had it. Thought I had the flu but when the blood work came back, the results said something else. Talked with the specialist and because I’m old . . .” He stopped and took a couple of deep breaths.

  Jake waited, knowing what the doctor had told him, but also wanting to know how his grandfather interpreted the information.

  “The chemotherapy doesn’t work well on us old guys as it does on the young. Besides, that toxic stuff is hard on the body. Doc said it wouldn’t give me much more time anyway. That what he told you?” Frank turned toward him.

  Jake nodded. “Said you could have a year.”

  Frank reached for Jake’s hand. “Or less. I asked for the palliative care route, where they take care of the pain and keep me comfortable.”

  “I’ll be here making sure your wishes are met,” Jake said with conviction.

  “Thanks, son. Now enough about me, tell me about your latest research.” Frank had a bluish tinge around his lips.

  “I see you have the photo of me while I lived with !Kung San in the Kalahari Desert on your bulletin board, thanks. They’re an ancient culture of hunters and gatherers. Their language is hard to translate because it has a series of clicks and pops. It’s like listening to someone snapping their gum and talking.”

  Frank’s eyes closed, but Jake continued, knowing he was listening. “They share any little food they have with everyone around, including strangers.”

  “Grandma always served the best she could to company.”

  “She sure did.” Jake remembered fresh buns at least once a week, homemade soups for lunch, and when company came, the table glowed like a buffet line.

  Soon Frank’s mouth fell open and spittle settled in the corners of his lips. He was sound asleep. Jake leaned over and kissed his grandfather’s cheek. Frank and Mabel had always kissed each other before they left and kissed again on their return. Grandma always kissed him, too. His heart slowed. He hadn’t been kissed with such accepting love in a very long time.

  Jake closed the door quietly and stopped at the administration office. He changed the first contact number to his cell, then the university, lastly the hotel. He reviewed all of the forms the doctor suggested and he wrote Robin’s name on the special visitor’s list.

  When the front door slid open, Jake looked across to the park he saw the geese along the shore but the bench was empty. He hoped Robin Smyth would visit Frank often because he just couldn’t be there all the time. The doctor had been kind but firm that a year without treatment was optimistic. He’d pay whatever Robin wanted to be sure Frank didn’t spend too much time alone.

  Monday morning, Nadine seemed lost in thought when Robbie asked her to put the revised thesis pages into the professor’s mailbox.

  “She’s not in right now,” Nadine explained. “She took tall, dark, Jake to lunch.”

  “Oh.” Robbie leaned against the desk. Thank you, Jake Proctor.

  “Have you seen him on campus? He’s easy on the eyes.”

  Nadine was wearing gold dangling earrings that slipped below her styled hair. She tugged on them while she swooned over Jake.

  “Nadine, are you are drooling over a man just because he has a great body while you work in the heart of the women’s studies programs?”

  “So you agree!”

  “I have noticed, but there has to be more to him than a broad back and a dark shadow over his strong jawline and you know it. I’ve been treated like an object, I understand what you’re doing to him.”

  “Objectification may be better than not being noticed at all. Besides you know that a strong jaw says the man eats healthy and exercises.” Nadine sighed.

  “What’s up with you? You work here, you’ve seen the studies about self-esteem torn to shreds because of someone noticing or not. We’re supposed to know better.”

  “I have, honey, and I do know better, but right now this is personal. I’m trying to find a way to make Ken understand I’m worth seeing.”

  “Who’s Ken?” Robbie studied Nadine’s round face, soft eyes, and wistful smile.

  “He’s a real sweetie. I met him at the sociology social on Saturday.”

  “You’re so lucky. You meet men. I’ve been so busy, the only guy who sees me regularly is one very sweet gentleman who feeds the birds. I run past him and wave and he waves back, if he isn’t focused on the geese.�
� Robbie hesitated. “Hmm”—she leaned over the counter—“he knows me in the body suit. I’ve visiting him as Robin. He’s old and dying and I remind him of happier days. He has a grandson, too, who I see occasionally.”

  “So, you’re using them as part of your case study?”

  “Yes.” Robbie leaned away from Nadine as if even a small distance might improve the necessary deception.

  “And they don’t know who you really are?” Nadine asked.

  “No, I’m considering this part of my field research.”

  “Your suit must be something. Remember, you’re going to show me one day real soon?”

  Robbie stroked her chin. “I have more outings planned before I put the suit away, but I’m being cautious. I can’t have any complaints or draw negative attention to this research. I will try.”

  “I understand. Just let me know if and when it will work. I want you want to finish your degree and graduate this semester, too.” Nadine gave Robbie’s hand a gentle squeeze.

  Robbie swallowed her fears and changed the subject. “I do have a small social life. I’m seeing Brad on Friday.”

  “What fancy event is he taking you to this time?”

  “Brad skimped on the fundraiser details. He promised a good dinner and networking possibilities for the pleasure of my company. Besides remember, he has a partner.”

  Robbie leaned closer and concentrated on the candy bowl on Nadine’s desk. “If this Ken can’t see what a wonderful woman you are—drop him now.” Then she popped a candy in her mouth and opened the door to the corridor.

  Nadine’s laughter rose and fell as Robbie closed the door behind her.

  During the week, Robbie became Robin with more and more confidence. Her jewelry and vibrant blue or green shirts accentuated her style. She walked faster and didn’t bump into nearly as many doorframes or chairs.

  Her chest tightened as she thought of her last visit with Frank. He was dying, but he seemed ready. She’d been visiting him every day while Jake taught or met with students at the university. They spoke of the weather and how he wouldn’t miss the minus double-digit weather. He wondered if the geese would miss him. He knew they wouldn’t, but he would miss not seeing them again. Usually one of the other residents popped in to see how Frank was doing and then he’d ask them about their day and the conversations would shift away from the coming end and focus on the present. She felt a knot lodge in her throat. Frank had become such a part of her life she couldn’t imagine a world without him.

  Friday evening, from her front room window, Robbie watched the light fade in the late afternoon sky. The bare poplars were silhouetted against the pinks and oranges of the sunset. Where was Brad? She tapped the foot of her high heel. He was supposed to have picked her up fifteen minutes ago. She blew out a breath of frustration and hugged the chiffon jacket closer to her chest.

  If Brad weren’t a childhood friend, she’d have begged off tonight. Lights from an approaching car lit up the street. The black Celica stopped against the curve. She watched Brad swing open the door and jog up her stairs. After she answered the door to his familiar knock, he embraced her, feathering her cheek with a kiss without disturbing her makeup. Holding her at arm’s length, he turned his head to one side and analyzed her appearance. “I’m in the running with you on my arm tonight.”

  Robbie’s stomach quivered. “Is my appearance really all that important?”

  “Of course. You’re my best business function date.” His shoulders slumped. He reached for her hand.

  In her two-inch heels they were eye-to-eye. Every black hair on his head was in exactly the right place. His beard was a slight blue shadow against his dark skin. He could be a poster man for GQ in his tuxedo.

  “The big boss wants to see the choices we’ve made in all aspects of our lives.”

  “Brad, what choice is your boss going to assume tonight? I’ve accompanied you on a half dozen occasions.”

  He met her eyes. “Robbie, this is a big career move. When the time is right, I’ll break the news gently.” He brought a jeweler’s box from his pocket and flipped it open. “If you wear this, he’ll assume even more.”

  Robbie glanced down at the solitaire diamond. “No, Brad.”

  “You don’t have to acknowledge anything. Just wear it. Guys never ask or gush over a ring. They just see it and take for granted something permanent may be in the future.”

  “What about Sam?” Her life was getting very complicated. She’d forget who Robbie was if she wasn’t careful.

  “He suggested it. This was his mother’s ring. When I’m stable, he and I can be an open couple.”

  “Sorry, Brad. It’s one thing to be your date and it’s another altogether to pretend we’re planning a future.”

  He shrugged. “Sam loses twenty bucks. I didn’t think you’d go for it.” He straightened his bow tie in the mirror and winked. “We’re a very impressive couple anyway. Ready?”

  She enjoyed her dates with Brad where she networked and met some of the influential business people in the city. The conversations with regard to new taxations and new community ventures were enlightening. The last dinner she’d attended she heard about an inner city project where piano teachers volunteered their time to teach at-risk youth living in disadvantaged situations. The students were allowed to practice on donated pianos at the schools.

  “I always learn something new about our city or Province when I go out with you. I wonder what it will be tonight,” she said as she locked the door.

  He guided her toward his glossy black sport car idling at the curb, held her arm until she was settled on the warm leather seat, and then drove confidently down the street.

  She turned toward him. “Any idea about the main speaker tonight?”

  “I haven’t a clue. It was supposed to be the boss’s favorite cause but that someone got sick and cancelled, so there is a substitute guest speaker.”

  When they approached the hotel door, a valet greeted them. Brad looped his arm through hers as they walked along the carpeted hallway to the Regency Ballroom. Inside, the chandelier glowed with miniature lights, reminding Robbie of the way Frank’s eyes twinkled when he talked about his wife, Mabel. Tearing herself from her thoughts, Robbie clung to her chiffon jacket as Brad helped her out of her coat. The president, Mr. Lawson, of Lawson Supply Management, called to Brad. Robbie stayed by his side for a few minutes, smiling and waving at familiar faces and hearing snippets of conversation about the new customer Mr. Lawson wanted Brad to begin designing a complex computer network proposal immediately, if not sooner.

  The sequins and tuxedoes parted and allowed someone seemingly important to enter the ballroom. Her hand flew to her lips. The distinguished couple consisted of Jake, looking ever so handsome in a stunning black tuxedo and Jean Clifton, the rail-thin body dressed in white practically glued to Jake’s side.

  Robbie swallowed her disbelief. Of course, they were colleagues and old friends. Heat raced up her neck and she pretended intense interest in the conversation but glanced at the banners looking for a clue to the occasion. The speaker’s topic was the African Zhun/twasi, ‘the real people’ culture.

  What was her problem? Jake wouldn’t recognize her after one little collision in a university corridor. Jean Clifton hadn’t seen her in the body suit. Therefore no one would be any wiser. Her secret identity was safe.

  Robbie excused herself to the powder room for a quiet moment.

  When she came out of the cubicle, Dr. Clifton was leaning close to the mirror straightening her white pencil dress over her thighs.

  “Dr. Clifton, you look sensational.” Robbie turned on the tap.

  Clifton’s eyes met hers in the mirror. “Hello, Robbie. Thank you.” Clifton stepped back on her clear acrylic high-heeled shoes.

  Robbie stood motionless as Clifton s
crutinized her from the top of her styled black hair, past her simple gold hoop earrings, and then over her simple shift and jacket and stopped at her gold sandals.

  Clifton raised her eyebrow. “You look nice. I haven’t seen you dressed up before. I forget that my students have lives outside of their research and exams.” Her tone suggested they shouldn’t.

  Biting her tongue, Robbie held the door for the woman in control of her destiny and allowed her to make a spectacular entrance into the ballroom before she followed. The band was playing a swing tune. Brad came toward her with a grin that showed his irresistible confidence.

  “There you are.” He bowed and offered his hand for a dance.

  “I’d love to.” She immediately felt the magic in his lead. He kept the tension in his hold and rock-stepped to the beat.

  “You’re happy tonight,” she said when the music stopped.

  “I am. I have a good feeling about this evening’s event. You’re beautiful. And I’m lucky.” Brad placed his arm around her waist as a camera flashed.

  “You’re fortunate that Sam likes me or he might be jealous,” she said.

  “He knows we’re doing this for the two of us,” Brad whispered in her ear as the bandleader announced dinner.

  Brad put his hand on the small of her back and guided her to the front and center, near the head table.

  Robbie silently thanked the universe because the seats facing the speaker’s podium were taken and she couldn’t see Dr. Jean Clifton or Dr. Jake Proctor without turning her chair.

  Chapter 5

  Jake enjoyed the Saskatchewan pickerel with wild rice and the baked apple in puff pastry with warm spiced cream. So far the evening had been full of pleasant surprises. Because Jean studied and worked in Regina, she knew many people. He’d been reintroduced to men who were on his midget hockey and high school baseball teams. He thought he recognized some of the women, but he couldn’t be sure. High school was such a long time ago.